Started by cutting all the independent suspension bracketry off - time to clean up this frame and hang a solid axle!

Half gone!

IFS cut off, and ready to start cleaning up and adding a solid axle...

Frame rails cleaned up and engine mounts boxed in.

Leaf spring hanger welded in, and front of frame gets a 1/4" piece of plate welded in to keep everything nice and strong...

Axle fully built with all the good stuff (longfields, detroit locker, 6-shooter knuckles, etc.) and ready to go under the truck.

Leaf springs, steering, front axle all installed, painted and done!

Flex test to make sure all the steering linkage clears - now it's time to rework the rear suspension...

Rear axle removed, and all stock mounts cut off...

Rear upper shock mount welded in - just needs shock bolts welded in, and shocks mounted...

Shocks mounted - works great on the trail...

The dog approves!